POLICE HONOURED FOR THEIR DEDICATION IN AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Troy Grant has congratulated nine NSW Police officers who have received awards today as part of the Australia Day Honours.

Nine Police Officers have been awarded the Australian Police Medal, for their commitment, dedication and sacrifice to protecting the people of New South Wales.

"These medals recognise the hard work and dedication these men and women show in performing their daily duties as well as the important contribution they make to our communities, whether it be through General Duties or in Specialist Commands," Mr Grant said.

"These individuals demonstrate a level of commitment members of the community have come to expect from our Police Force.

"This honour is a reflection of their talent, professionalism and selflessness putting their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our community each and every day."It is wonderful for these officers to receive this special recognition and to be rewarded for their years of service."These are the men and women who too often risk their own safety in order to perform one of the hardest jobs around, responding to all manner of situations.

"I want to express my gratitude on behalf of the people of NSW for the vital and at times difficult work each member of the NSW Police Force performs every day."

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THIS time last year, Cyrus Villanueva was celebrating Australia Day with his best mates at the beach and then tucking into a traditional Aussie barbie with his family.This year, things couldn’t be more different.Villanueva was one of the headline acts for Channel Ten’s Australia Day concert, airing live from Sydney’s Opera House steps.with over 5000 people in attendance along with the millions tuning in from home.It’s a thought that the 19-year old musician — who won The X Factor in November last year — still can’t quite believe is happening to him.“Just hearing people say that gives me goosebumps,” he says. “I’ve never played an outdoor stage like this.Villanueva is be joined by a host of local acts including Jessica Mauboy, Kate Ceberano, Thirsty Merc, Justice Crew, and Glenn Shorrick.

Frontline police officers will be the first to receive body-worn video cameras as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to police and community safety.

Deputy Premier Troy Grant and Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione recently launched the rollout of the Body-Worn Video (BVW) cameras to the Eastern Beaches Local Area Command.

Police will wear the cameras on their uniforms, allowing officers to record incidents or events where visual and audio evidence will support an investigation.

“The NSW Government has committed $4 million over two years for the rollout of BVW cameras to three Metropolitan Local Area Commands and the Police Transport Command,” Mr Grant said.

“Body-worn video cameras have been hugely successful for police during trials and provide added protection for the community and police officers responding to crime.

“We want the community to be aware that over time, most police officers will be using these cameras to record interactions with the public and gather evidence - much like they would a notebook.

“Body-worn video cameras could also assist in domestic violence cases where victims may be vulnerable and reluctant to give evidence.”

Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said BWV will provide greater accountability for interactions between police and the community.

“Our officers have millions of interactions with the community every year, and BWV will provide a record of the actions of both the officer and individuals they are engaged with,” the Commissioner said.

“The vision will essentially be used for evidence gathering to support prosecutions, but it will also allow police to analyse interactions, improve practices and support officer training and education.

“Local and international trials have noted other positive benefits of BWV, including lower incidence and escalation of violence, reduced officer injuries, reduced time spent on paperwork and increased time on patrol, enhanced brief of evidence preparation, and improved behaviour of both police and the public.

“A picture is worth a thousand words, and if you’re recorded doing the wrong thing - no matter who you are - the evidence will be tough to dispute,” the Commissioner said.

NSW Police Force completed a successful trial of BWV camera technology in 2013 and 2014, proving the viability of the concept to support frontline police.

BWV Project Sponsor, Acting Assistant Commissioner Steve Cullen, said BWV cameras will be worn on the uniform in an overt manner, and where practical, officers will advise they are recording.

“While the cameras will be constantly viewing the officer’s point-of-view, the officer must initiate recording to actually capture footage in the memory of the camera.

“There will be a 30-second back capture of vision only, which can allow for the visual recording of an important piece of evidence.

“Officers have received training on the appropriate use of BWV, which includes the expected ethical and professional standards of the NSW Police Force,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Cullen said.

The cameras record high-definition wide-view vision (150 degree field of vision capture) and high quality audio and can live-stream footage to remote police command positions, which assist in some operational situations.

Importantly, the BWV footage is encrypted and safely stored on the camera. Once the footage is downloaded onto the secure police database, all footage on the camera is erased.

Further information about BWV, including standard operating procedures, are available to the community at the NSW Police Force website: www.police.nsw.gov.au<http://www.police.nsw.gov.au>.